Your adventure begins as you arrive in Chile, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Balmaceda Airport. It’s well connected to the rest of Chile, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. We will start our journey to the accommodation in the early afternoon. If you arrive earlier you can store your luggage in the city centre and use the time to relax in the very small town. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.
For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Villa Cerro Castillo, right in the heart of lakes and mountains. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Click for Route Map : 📏 12 km ⏱️ 5–6 h ⬆️ ~850 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging
The hike to the Cerro Castillo Lagoon Viewpoint is one of Patagonia’s most beautiful day trails, leading to turquoise glacial waters beneath the jagged black spires of Cerro Castillo. Starting from the Villa Cerro Castillo trailhead, the route climbs steadily through lenga forest, with occasional clearings that offer early glimpses of the surrounding peaks. The sound of the wind and the distant rush of meltwater set the tone for the wild landscape ahead.
Above the treeline, the trail opens onto rocky slopes and alpine tundra, where the turquoise lagoon appears suddenly below the towering cliffs of the Cerro Castillo massif. The contrast between the bright water, dark rock, and hanging glaciers is breathtaking — one of those quintessential Patagonian views that feels far larger than the effort it takes to reach it.
After soaking in the view and perhaps exploring a bit around the viewpoint ridge, most hikers return the same way down to the valley. The route is demanding but non-technical, perfectly suited for a full-day adventure. On clear days, it’s among the most unforgettable hikes in southern Chile.
Click for Route Map : 📏 12 km ⏱️ 4-5 h ⬆️ ~500 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
The hike from Lago Tamango to Paredón de las Manos is one of the most fascinating routes in Chile’s Patagonia National Park (Tamango sector), combining serene lakeside walking with striking natural and cultural history. The trail begins near Cochrane, following the shoreline of Lago Tamango through lenga forest and open grassland where you may spot guanacos or even a shy huemul deer grazing near the water.
As you head north, the path gently climbs into dry Patagonian steppe, opening wide views of the Cochrane River valley and the deep blue of the lake behind you. The route ends at the Paredón de las Manos, a cliff face adorned with ancient handprints left by the region’s early inhabitants thousands of years ago. The red and white ochre markings contrast beautifully with the pale rock and the surrounding landscape of cliffs and open sky.
It’s a moderate, rewarding day hike that captures much of what makes Patagonia National Park so special — pristine nature, solitude, and a tangible link between landscape and history. Bring sun protection and water, as much of the route crosses exposed steppe with little shade.
Click for Route Map : 📏 19 km ⏱️ 7-8 h ⬆️ ~100 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging
The hike to Laguna Duff is one of the hidden gems of Cerro Castillo National Park, offering a quieter alternative to the more famous lagoon hike while still showcasing the raw beauty of northern Patagonia. The trail starts near Villa Cerro Castillo and follows a steady climb through open forest and meadows filled with wildflowers in summer. Early on, you’ll get sweeping views back over the valley and the winding Carretera Austral.
As you gain elevation, the landscape opens into wide alpine terrain surrounded by snow-streaked ridges. The turquoise waters of Laguna Duff appear suddenly at the base of rocky peaks, framed by patches of ice and scree. It’s a peaceful, less-traveled spot, perfect for a long lunch or quiet rest by the water’s edge.
The return follows the same route, with broad views of the surrounding mountains on the descent. The trail is well-marked but remote, so bring enough water and layers for shifting mountain weather. Laguna Duff offers a true sense of Patagonian solitude — wild, silent, and achingly beautiful.
A free day around Villa Cerro Castillo gives you a perfect chance to explore more of northern Patagonia’s wild beauty beyond the trails. One of the best options is a day trip to the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) on General Carrera Lake, about 1.5 hours south near the village of Puerto Río Tranquilo.
You can take a boat or kayak tour across the turquoise waters to see the caves up close — smooth, swirling marble formations carved by centuries of wind and waves. On calm days, the reflections of the blue lake light up the walls inside the caves, creating an almost dreamlike color. Morning is usually best for light and calm water.
After the tour, you could enjoy a relaxed lunch in Puerto Río Tranquilo or visit one of the nearby lookouts over the lake. If you’re up for a bit more exploring, continue a short way west to the Exploradores Glacier viewpoint, where an easy walk leads to panoramic views of ice and forest.
It’s a day that contrasts perfectly with Cerro Castillo’s rugged mountains — trading alpine peaks for surreal rock, still water, and the deep, quiet beauty of Patagonia’s largest lake.
Click for Route Map :📏 15 km ⏱️ 5–6 h ⬆️ ~700 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate
The hike to Laguna Cerro Pirámide is one of the most beautiful and lesser-known routes in Cerro Castillo National Park, offering a perfect mix of challenge, solitude, and big-mountain scenery. Starting near Villa Cerro Castillo, the trail climbs steadily through open forest with early views of the Ibáñez Valley and the jagged skyline of the Cerro Castillo range.
As you gain elevation, the landscape turns alpine — rocky slopes, sparse vegetation, and sweeping views of surrounding glaciers. The turquoise Laguna Cerro Pirámide sits in a cirque beneath its namesake peak, surrounded by sheer cliffs and streaks of snow even in summer. The water glows bright blue in sunlight, mirroring the rugged peaks above.
It’s a quieter alternative to the park’s main lagoon hike, offering the same sense of scale and isolation but with far fewer people. Bring layers and wind protection, as weather can shift quickly. For those staying in Villa Cerro Castillo, this is one of the area’s most rewarding day hikes — raw, peaceful, and classically Patagonian.
Click for Route Map : 📏 16 km ⏱️ 6–7 h ⬆️ ~800 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging
The hike into Valle Sin Nombre (“Nameless Valley”) is one of the most striking adventures in Cerro Castillo National Park, leading deep into a wild, glacier-carved basin framed by towering peaks. Starting from Villa Cerro Castillo, the trail climbs gradually through open lenga forest before emerging onto alpine slopes where the views widen across rugged ridgelines and distant icefields.
As you enter the valley, the landscape feels vast and untouched — braided rivers winding through gravel plains, hanging glaciers spilling from the cliffs, and the constant sound of wind moving through the peaks. The route is less traveled and feels remote, perfect for hikers seeking solitude and a sense of discovery.
The turnaround point is usually near the valley floor beneath Cerro Palo, where you can rest beside the river with views of sheer rock walls and distant ice. On the return, the changing light reveals new colors in the mountains — slate, rust, and glacier blue. It’s a challenging but unforgettable hike that captures the raw, unfiltered essence of northern Patagonia.
It’s time to pack your bags and move onwards. We arrange transport back to the airport so you can catch your flight home or continue to explore this majestical country. We recommend not booking a flight before 2pm to give us time to get you from the mountains. We have lots of recommendations if you’re going to spend more time in Chile.
Please note: The itinerary may be change due to weather or closures. Your safety is always are upmost priority. Your local guide will always keep you updated on what’s coming the next day and if there are any changes.
Please note: Airfares and meals are not included in the trip price unless mentioned above. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred flights and enjoy local dining experiences at your own pace.
You’ll be staying at Casa Arroyo del Bosque in Villa Cerro Castillo, in the heart of the mountains. You will be staying in a twin room with private bathroom. Private rooms are available on request for a supplemental cost. There is a hearty breakfast included in the price. There is also Wi-Fi, a kitchen, garden, restaurant, hair dryers and laundry.
Join fellow adventurers on an unforgettable trek through Chile’s stunning trails. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait – lock in your dates now.
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. When booking a trip starting within 30 days, deposit payments are not accepted.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 30 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. For a private room, please add this at the checkout page.
Trip status
Trip status
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. You can also pay in full immediately if you wish.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 10 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Any supplemental costs will be shown on the next screen.
